Posted by Larry Hoover on March 26, 2005, at 12:42:16
In reply to Re: Not all Omega-3s are created equal, posted by banga on March 26, 2005, at 11:12:38
> SO GLA is only one of several types of omega-6? That might explain a contradition in my mind...I had read a deficiency of GLA can lead to derpession, yet our diets are supposedly replete with omega 6...
> So do we help by adding GLA, or do we upset the balance still further? What is the solution---add both GLA, and even more omega 3s (fish oil, I did know flax oil is different...)
> And while on this subject, I know some theorize that people may have difficulty converting EPA to DHA....or was it the other way around? Do you know about this?Gamma-linolenic acid is an omega-6 fatty acid with 3 double bonds, compared to linoleic acid, the main source of omega-6, which has only two double bonds.
Gamma-linolenic acid can go on to be converted into dihomgammalinolenic acid, which then becomes arichidonic acid. However, GLA can be shunted into a different pathway to become anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. That shunting occurs when there are sufficient other molecules competing for the enzymes that go to make dihomogammalinolenic acid.....those competitors are omega-3 fatty acids. So, high intake of omega-3 with GLA goes to anti-inflammatory effects.
Lar
P.S. Don't you love the name dihomogammalinolenic acid? Only a geek could come up with that one.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:445077
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050323/msgs/475825.html